Identification system

ABSTRACT

An identification system comprises a number of freely transportable identificands carrying data to be identified arranged at plural correlation positions, and an identifier cooperable with the identificands, when inserted into the identifier, to check the identity of a user of an identificand. A transmitter in the identifier transmits, to the identificand, a number of data, corresponding to the number of correlation positions of the identificand, in succession from the correlation positions. An interpretor is included in the identificand and has input and output terminals, and a selector device in the identificand supplies the transmitted data to the input terminals of the interpreter. A transmitter in the identificand is modulated from the output terminals of the interpreter and transmits the resultant modulated signals to the identifier for processing and evaluation. The identificands may be in the form of flat cards carrying one or more rotatable wheels having numbers around their periphery. The numbers are normally concealed, but the user may, when ready to use the identificand, set one or more wheels to the desired number. When the identificand is inserted into the identifier, the identifier rotates the wheel or wheels back to the zero position to provide a number of pulses corresponding to the preset number on the wheel or wheels. Each card contains integrated circuits providing safety against falsification, and the identifier has means to detect any tampering with the integrated circuits.

khvlvp fluv n w! "'X- vase? DR 3,641 @316 SEARCH Rama U t d s u Ill eta. M [151 3 641 316 Dethloff et al. Feb. 8, 1972 [54] IDENTIFICATIONSYSTEM Primary Examiner-Tl1omas A. Robinson [72] Inventors: JurgenDethloff, Elbchaussee 239, Ham- 33 gggg zr g Cochran burg; HelmutGrottrup, Faustleste 5, Mu- W Oren d mch, b;)th of Germany 57] ABSTRACT[22] Flle 1 1970 An identification system comprises a number of freelytrans- [21] Appl. No.: 64,548 portable identificands carrying data to beidentified arranged at plural correlation positions, and an identifiercooperable Related PP Data with the identificands, when inserted intothe identifier, m [63] continuationdmpm of Ser. 857,957, Sept 15, checkthe identity of a user of anidentificand. Atransmitter in 9 9 theidentifier transmits, to the identlficand, a number of data,corresponding to the number of correlation positions of the 3 ForeignApplication p m identificand, in succession from the correlationpositions. An interpretor is included in the identificand and has inputand Aug. 21, 1969 Austr a ..A 98205/69 output terminals, and a Selectordevice in the identificand 1969 f' 13/69 plies the transmitted data tothe input terminals of the in- .lune 30. 1969 Austria ..6]99/69terpreten A transmitter in the id ifi d is moduhted f the outputterminals of the interpreter and transmits the [52] U.S. Cl. ..235/61.7B, 340/ 149 A resultant modulated Signals to the id tifi f processingand [51] Int. Cl. ..G06k 7/01 evaluation The id tifi d may be in the f ffl cards [58] Field of Search ..235/6l.12, 61.7 B; 340/ 149 A; carryingone or more rotatable wheels having numbers around 179/2 2 2 9 CC;194/4; 283/7 their periphery. The numbers are normally concealed, butthe 56 user may, when ready to use the identificand, set one or more I 1Rein-em cued wheels to the desired number. When the identificand is in-UNITED STATES PATENTS serted into the identifier, the identifier rotatesthe wheel or wheels back to the zero position to provide a number ofpulses 3,028,659 4/1962 Chow et a1 ..235/6l.12 C UX corresponding to thepreset number on the wheel or wheels. ,581 12/1963 Kilby ..235/6l.12 CUX Each card contains integrated circuits providing safety against3,134,254 5/1964 Richard -.2 1- C X falsification, and the identifierhas means to detect any tam- 3,l85,964 5 I965 Margiloff... .....235/6l.l 2 C UX pering with the integrated circuits. 3,401,830 9/1968 Mathews..235/61.l2 C UX 3,555,201 l/197 l Kuehnle ..l79/90 BD 35 Claims, 16Drawing Figures Pl/L i FdEMEL w 6 24 THE AHE (our cams r52IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Thisapplication is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 857,957,filed Sept. 15, 1969 for Identification Switch.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Copending application Ser. No.857,957 is directed to an identification switch or system having thefunction of receiving certain offered information and correlating thesame with a certain meaning. The arrangement thus consists, inprinciple, of two parts, the so-called identificand, which carries theinformation, and the identifier, which contains the evaluating circuit.The data of the various identificands are represented by the variouslinkages or interconnections of the respective correlator circuitcontained in each identificand. The identifier includes a number ofsending points and receiving points, between which the identificandestablishes connections in accordance with its respective linkages orinterconnections. The basic principle of the identifier is that the sending points act on the receiving points of the identifier with definedpulse currents through the linkages or interconnections contained in theidentificand, thus storing the code of the identificand therein. Theidentificand and the identifier each have the same number, for example,10, of spatially discrete receiving and sending points or positions.

With this arrangement, a parallel input of the interrogating pulses fromthe identifier, and a parallel output of the identification pulses fromthe identificand into the identifier is possible. However, the principleof correlation is not limited to the parallel operation or to thespatially discrete sending and receiving points or stations.

As a development of the invention covered by application Ser. No.857,957, in the present invention, the data arriving from the identifierare supplied successively to the input terminals of the correlator orinterpretor and, for this purpose, a suitable selector device isprovided in the identificand. Furthermore, the identificand includes atransmitting arrangement whose modulation is determined by the outputterminals of the correlator or interpretor, and by means of which themodulation, determined by the correlator or interpretor, is transmitteddirectly or indirectly to the identifier for processing.

For the distribution of the data, there may be provided, for example inthe identifier, a clock providing pulses to successively mark the inputsof the correlator present in the respective identificand. A pulse group,containing a certain number of pulses, is correlated with each outputterminal of the correlator or interpretor, so that the successivelyoccurring pulse groups, at these output terminals, represent the code ofthe respective identificand. The pulse groups are derived by a pulsegroup generator, which is preset, according to the marked output of thecorrelator or interpretor, for the generation of the respective pulsegroup. The successively occurring pulse groups are stored in theidentifier directly or coded, so that evaluation can be effected in theidentifier.

For the sequential marking of the correlator pr interpreter inputterminals, there may be provided, in the identificand, a counter whichis advanced by the timing pulses of the identifier. The data sent fromthe identificand to the identifier can be stored in the latter in anysuitable form. An advantageous arrangement comprises a matrix memory inwhich these data can be stored by lines or by columns, at theintersections of respective coordinates of the matrix grid. In thisinstance, of

course, a preceding recoding is also possible, whereby the.

pulse groups are not stored directly.

In the arrangement shown in application Ser. No. 857,957, an additionalintegrated circuit is provided to secure against falsification. Since,for the serial evaluation of the present invention, integrated circuitsin the identificand are expedient, it is advantageous to design theintegrated circuit so that they can be used further for safety fromfalsification.

The transmission of pulses between the identifier and the identificandmay be effected in many ways, as already described in application Ser.No. 857,957. Furthermore, the serial input and output of the presentapplication is not limited to inductive transmission of the pulses. Inthe embodiments of the invention described hereinafter, there isexplained, for the input of the pulses from the identifier into theidentificand, transmission by means of modulated high frequency throughan inductive coupling, while the output is effected directly throughdirect current pulses, again through an inductive coupling. Instead ofthis, a capacitive coupling may be used. Also, the modulated highfrequency for the input into the identificand may be substituted by adirect pulse transmission process. Finally, the transmission may beeffected optically, with a light source being provided in the identifierand a photocell in the identificand. In this case also, a receivingphotocell, designed as a solar cell, could, simultaneously, furnish thecurrent supply.

The current supply for the semiconductor circuit of the identificandsmay be derived from an external high-frequency source, in a manneralready known. Alternatively, the current supply could be provided by athermoelement heated by the identifier, or through a photosensitivesolar cell. Finally, the current supply could be derived from thepermanent data stroke received from the receiving coil or winding of theidentificand, if the modulated interval is bridged by a small chargingcondenser.

The particular advantage of serial input and output is that only a smallnumber of contact points or positions is needed. Another advantage isthat the correlation field can be produced easily by a correspondingprogram control in the integrated circuit itself, and in such a mannerthat it differs from one identificand to another.

The present improvement over application Ser. No. 857,957 is not limitedto the embodiments shown and described. In fact, combinations betweenthe serial solution and the parallel solution are possible, for example,with serial input and parallel output or with parallel input and serialoutput, as well as arrangements for the input and output that are partlyin parallel and partly in series.

The identificands and identifiers of application Ser. No. 857,957comprise three novel technical features, namely, the correlation logic,the circuit for safety falsification, and the marking number in theidentificands. Correlator circuits are known per se. Safety fromfalsification is attained in that there is provided, in theidentificands, a component whose presence can be ascertained clearly bythe identifier. This component is a specific integrated circuit, for theimitation of which very extensive manufacturing systems are necessary,so that falsification becomes unprofitable. Since the marking number islodged in the identificand, rather than in the identifier as in knownsystems, spying out of the marking number is rendered impossible.

In application Ser. No. 857,957, the identificands are designed assmall, key-type slides in which the above named three features areincorporated. In their mechanical construction, the identifierscorrespond to this form of identificands. The carrying into effect ofthe principles mentioned above, however, is not limited to these formsof identificands or identifiers, but can be performed with numerousother forms. Thus, for example, identificands in the form of a pin ofsquare cross section, or in the form which comes very close to thewidely used credit cards and, at the same time, to arrange theidentifiers for checking and for data transfer from these identificands.Accordingly, a further improvement over the disclosure of applicationSer. No. 857,957 relates to a new identificand essentially in the formof a credit car In accordance with this feature of the presentinvention, the identificand, which contains visually andmachine-readable data serving for the identification of the identificandand for safety from falsification, is designed in card form.Additionally, there are provided devices for the selective setting of atwo-digit or multidigit marking number, and means for covering themarking number in the inoperative state. Finally, the covering means areso designed that they are manually operable for clearing the view of themarking number, and can thereafter positively return to the inoperativeposition.

For the setting of the marking number, there may serve setting wheelswhose digits are visible in a window in the identification card, andwhich window is covered, in the inoperative position, by the coveringmeans. The covering of the marking number may be effected withcorrespondingly arranged slides, whose number corresponds to the numberof digits of the marking number, and which are arranged at one of thetwo longer sides of the identification card for displacement crosswiseor transversely of the longer sides. In the operative state, they coverup the windows and can be displaced manually for the setting of themarking number in such a way that the numbers or symbols to be setbecome visible in the window and that, after such setting, they returnto the starting position under spring bias.

For the purpose of accommodating the setting wheels and the slides in apractical manner, it is expedient to construct the identification cardin multiple layers. Further features thereof will become evident fromthe claims and the following description.

This card-type identificand obviously has many advantages. It is,however, further desirable to make the identificand card thinner andstill more cardlike, and possibly to provide the authorized user with asecond change of operation if the first setting of the marking numberwas faulty.

Consequently, another improvement over the disclosure of applicationSer. No. 857,957 is a differently designed identificand card withvisually and machine-readable marking numbers, for the handling of anidentificand, in accordance with the disclosure of application Ser. No.857,957, and with visually and machine readable data which serve for theidentification of the identificand and possibly further for safety fromfalsification.

In accordance with this feature of the invention, for the setting of atwo-digit or multidigit marking number, two or more number wheels arerotatably arranged between cover sheets of the identificand card forrotation about an axis perpendicular to the cover sheets. The coversheets have opposed coaxial circular openings, whose diameter is smallerthan the diameter of the number wheels. Finally, the number wheels areso displaced, in the inoperative state, relative to the openings bysuitable means, that their numbers are not visible.

It is expedient if the number wheels are mounted in rectangular cutoutsof the layer present between the two cover sheets, in such a way that,in the inoperative state, they are biased by a spring against a brakebearing and rest against the sidewalls of the cutouts.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved and simplifiedidentification system.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a system including anumber of identificands and identifier cooperable therewith, and inwhich a code in an identificand is transmitted successively to theidentifier.

A further object of the invention is to provide the identificands in theform of cards resembling credit cards.

For an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference ismade to the following description of typical embodiments thereof asillustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the invention for serialoperations;

FIGS. 2a through 23 are pulse diagrams related to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an identificand card in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the card;

FIG. 5 is a view of the covering slide with the cover sheet removed;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of another form of card form identificand;

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view of the card shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a somewhat enlarged partial plan view illustrating the settingwheel; and

FIGS. 9 and 10 are sectional views of the card insertion device of theidentifier.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 1, the rectangle lencloses the circuitry contained in the indetificand, and the rest ofthe circuitry is contained in the identifier. The central controlequipment, which is set in operation responsive to the introduction ofthe identificand into the identifier, by means which have not beenshown, is the clock 2 in the identifier and which emits ten pulses atrelatively low frequency. After the introduction of the identificandinto the identifier, there is started, also at the same time, highfrequency generator 3 which initially furnishes an unmodu lated signalto transmitter or sending coil 4. The pulses emitted by clock 2 modulategenerator 3 through modulation amplifier 5, so that the high-frequencyoscillation emitted by generator 3 is periodically set to zero. Theresulting output voltage of sending or transmitting coil 4 is shown inFIG. 2a.

Adjacent sending coil 4, there is the receiving coil 6 of theidentificand, and which receives the high-frequency energy depicted inFIG. 2a and supplies it to a modulator 7. The demodulation product issupplied to pulse-former stage 8, which directly charges a counter 9with pulses. These pulses correspond to those shown in FIG. 2b. Ininoperative position, counter 9 is in the zero position, and is brought,by the pulses shown in FIG. 211, into the positions 1, 2, etc., up tothe position 9.

The output lines of counter 9 normally are connected to a decoder 10which, for example, for a decade type of counter 9, has 10 inputs from 0to 9. The correlation or interpreting field 11, following decoder 9, hasl0 inputs 0 to 9, and 10 outputs 0 to 9, each input being connected withone output. The connections between the inputs and outputs of correlatoror interpretor 11 differ from one identificand to the next in accordancewith the correlation logic, and represent the information stored in therespective identificands.

The 10 output lines of correlation or interpreting field 11 areconnected with a pulse group generator 12, and effect a presetting ofgenerator 12. Generator 12 emits, at its output, namely at thetransmitting or sending coil 3, groups of pulses which, depending on thepresetting, may contain one, two, three, etc., up to 10 pulses, whenpulse generator 12 is activated with a pulse on input line 14. Suchcircuit arrangements are known.

Activation of pulse generator 12 by input line 14 is effected by thesame pulse which drives counter 9, through a delay member 15 and anadditional pulse former 16. The sequence of the process can be seenclearly from FIG. 2d, on the assumption of a given correlation. Theoutput pulses of pulse former 8, as shown in FIG. 2b, drive counter 9through the stages 0, l, 2 etc., as shown in FIG. 2c. The correspondinginputs of correlation or interpreting field 11 are activated throughdecoder 10. Let it now be assumed that correlation field 11 is soconnected that input I is connected with output 3, input 2 with output 1and input 3 with output 4. There then results, for the presetting ofpulse group generator 12, the diagram shown in FIG. 2d.

The delayed pulses shown in FIG. 22, arriving on input line 14 ofgenerator 12, actuate generator 12 each time, and causes to emit a pulsegroup, as is illustrated in FIG. 2f. Thus, the first pulse groupcomprises three pulses, the second pulse group comprises one pulse andthe third pulse group comprises four pulses. The pulse group generator12 is caused to emit as many pulse groups as the number of pulsessupplied by clock 2, these groups having different numbers of pulses.

In the identifier, clock 2 further drives the counter 17 having thedecoder l8 connected thereto. Decoder I8 prepares the columns of matrix19, in sequence, for storage of information. The matrix memory 19 neednot necessarily be a core memory. Similarly designed semiconductorconfigurations, for example, can be actuated in the same manner. Thepulse groups emitted by sending coil 13 of the identificand aresupplied, by receiving coil 20 of the identifier, to amplifier 21 andthence to a pulse former 22.

Pulse former 22 drives a counter 23 having a decoder 24 connectedthereto. The outputs of decoder 24 prepare the line amplifiers 25 ofmatrix 19. At a suitable selection of decoder 24, therefore, only oneline amplifier 25 is prepared. Alternatively, groups of line amplifiers25 corresponding to a code can be prepared by other forms of decoder 24,or by omission of decoder 24 and direct connection of counter 23.

Through delay circuit 26, clock 2 supplies the pulses illustrated inFIG. 23, and which therefore always occur afier completion of the pulsegroups of pulse group generator 18, that is, after setting of counter23. These pulses cause the prepared line amplifiers 25 emit a recordingpulse, which effects input into storage at the points of intersectionsof the respective line or lines with the column or columns of matrix 19,as prepared by decoder 18. In this way, the entire information of theidentificand gradually is transmitted into matrix 19 and is thereavailable for evaluation.

In the same manner as described in application Ser. No. 857,957, in thepresent arrangement a control counter 17 is connected to the output ofpulse former 22. While, after termination of a pulse group, counter 23is set to zero by means which have not been shown in FIG. 1, controlcounter 27 counts all pulses emitted by the identificand, and whose summust be constant regardless of the information stored in theidentificand, thus carrying out a control of the entire operation.Further control arrangements, as mentioned in application Ser. No.857,957, may also be used in the present arrangement.

The current supply of the identificand is effected from highfrequencygenerator 29 of the identifier, which transmits its energy, throughsending coil 30, to receiving coil 31 of the identificand. The receivedenergy is rectified by rectifier 32 and is available at the outputterminals thereof for the integrated circuit. Since storing elements areprovided in the identificand, it is necessary to bring about a definedinitial position, in particular of counter 9. This is carried out in aknown manner, by means which have not been shown, by pickup of thecurrent supply.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the new card-type identificand in top plan andside elevation view, with FIG. 5 showing the covering slide with thecover sheet removed. FIG. 4 is greatly enlarged in width or thickness toillustrate the details. In reality, the total thickness of theidentificand card is about 1 mm. In the following, the identificand cardis referred to as an ICARD.

FIG. 3 provides a view of front cover sheet 33 of the ICARD. This coversheet is provided, in the usual manner, with visually readableinformation 34, for example the ICARD holders signature 35 and hisphotograph 36, by insertion of a photographed foil or by directphotographic application on the back. This information layer 37 is alsoindicated in FIG. 4. To this extent, the ICARD corresponds to the normalconstruction of an automatically readable identification, for example acredit card. In contrast to other systems, however, the actualinformation to be ascertained is lodged in the foot 38 of the ICARD.Foot 38 therefore, as indicated by hatching in FIGS. 3 and 4, containsthose electronic components 39 which are necessary for the realizationof the correlation logic and which ensure safety from falsification inthe form of a specific integrated circuit. The relatively largeavailable area of foot 38 permits the accommodation of capacitive orinductive receivers for the energy supply and data transmission, asdescribed in application Ser. No. 857,957.

Foot 38 is clearly set oi? from the main body of the ICARD by a notch40, on both sides, and this notch fulfills several functions. Afterintroduction of the ICARD into the identifier,

two knives of the identifier descend, from opposite sides, into notches40, and fix the entire ICARD in the correct position so that thescanning of the information from the electric components 39 can beeffected reliably.

Moreover, by an AC voltage applied to these knives, there is a check asto whether conducting connections pass through between notches 40 fromfoot 38. Thereby, it is ascertained that the electronic components 39are not just simulated outside the ICARD by constructions from discretecomponents and connected by conducting connections to correspondingreceivers in foot 38.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the ICARD is notched at different distances fromfoot 38 at both edges. These notches are partly filled out by movableslides 41, which are guided in recess of the front inner sheet 42.Behind each slide 41, in a corresponding recess of the rear inner sheet44, there is a setting wheel 43 which rotates about a pivot 45. Byfriction between slide 41 and rear cover sheet 46, setting wheels 43 areso braked that they do not become displaced inadvertently. Settingwheels 43 have a pheripheral serration and a zero abutment.

Each slide 41 has a slot 47, which is partly visible in FIG. 3. Thefunction of slot 47 in the first place, is to prevent pivot 45 blockingmovement of slide 41 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, slot 41is continued far enough so that, when slide 41 is pressed in, it comesunder the window 48 of front cover sheet 33. Front cover sheet 33 isopaque, at least in the vicinity of window 48 and above setting wheel43. Window 48 is transparent. When slide 41 is displaced by hand in thelongitudinal direction, so that it projects deeper into the ICARD, theview is cleared through the window 48 and the slot 47, now lying underthis window, to a point on the circumference of the setting wheel, wherea number or symbol which is present there can be read.

FIG. 5 illustrates one of the two slides 41 as it would appear if frontcover sheet 33 were removed. Slide 41 is guided in a correspondingrecess of front inner sheet 42, which, for greater clarity, has beenhatched. Nose 49 of slide 41 engages in a recess 50 of front inner sheet42 and limits the stroke of the slide 41 in both directions. Front innersheet 42 and slide 41 are so designed that, between them, a flatS-shaped spring 51 can be inserted, and this holds slide 41 in theinoperative position shown in FIG. 5. Shaft 45 of the setting wheel 43,which latter has been shown in broken lines, does hinder movement ofslide 41, as will be clear from the form of slot 47 as seen in itsentirety in FIG. 5. With slide 41 pressed in, the left end of slot 47reaches the ledge of setting wheel 43, and thereby clears the view ofone of the symbols at the edge of setting wheel 43.

Since, at the same time the finger with which slide 41 is pressedinwardly comes in contact with the serrated or toothed circumference ofsetting wheel 43, the latter can be set to the desired symbol. Aftersuch setting, the finger is removed and thereby at the same time slide41 is released. The slide 41 returns to its inoperative position, sothat the set symbol is covered up by slide 41 and is no longerobservable.

The efi'ect of this is that it is made certain that spying in the use ofthe ICARD is impossible in the identifier. The authorized subscribersets the marking number on the way to the identifier, that is, at a timewhen spying is ruled out due to the variability of the location. In thevicinity of the identifier itself, slides 41 cover up the set numbers.

The function of the setting wheel in the identifier will be referred toonly briefly, as it has been described in detail in application Ser. No.857,957. Upon introduction of the ICARD into the identifier, the settingwheel is mechanically set to zero. This zero position is defined by anose of the setting wheel which fits positively against a correspondingabutment in the rear inner sheet of the ICARD. The path required for thezero setting of the setting wheel, or respectively the path of the ICARDstill remaining after the zero setting upon introduction into the slotof the identifier, is measured at the identifier. This measurementdefines the previously set marking number.

After extraction of the ICARD from the identifier, the setting wheelsare all on zero, so that the preset marking number is renderedunrecognizable by a third party, such as a dishonest finder of a lostcard. The described form of construction of the ICARD permits thesetting of two-digit marking numbers. It can be readily seen that thenumber of digits can, if necessary, be increased by the introduction ofadditional slides and setting wheels.

FIGS. 6 through 10 show another embodiment of a card type identificandin accordance with an improvement on the disclosure of application Ser.No. 857,957. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the basic card 52 which, as can beseen from FIG. 7, is composed of three layers, including two outer coversheets 53 and an inner main sheet 54.

Cover sheets 53 have circular cutouts 55 which are opposite each otherand coaxial with each other. One cover sheet 53 bears, at the edge ofeach circular cutout 55, a marking 56, in the form of an arrow. For therest, cover sheets 53 present the usual components of an identificationcard, such as the photograph of the holder, his signature, and dataabout his person and address. Representation of this information hasbeen omitted.

As best seen in FIG. 8, main sheet 54 has cutouts 57 of rectangularform, for example, in which setting wheels 58 are mounted. Only one suchcutout, with a single setting wheel, is shown in FIG. 8. From FIG. 7,whose transverse dimensions are greatly enlarged for greater clarity, itwill be noted that setting wheels 58 are larger than the circularcutouts 53. Thereby, in the first place, movement of setting wheels 56in rectangular cutouts 57 is ensured without any possibility of thesetting wheels falling out through the circular cutouts 55.

In the inoperative position, setting wheels 58 are pressed, by springwires 59, against brake bearing 61. Spring wires 59 are mounted in twosmall bearing grooves 60 at the edges of rectangular cutouts 57 in mainsheet 54. Brake bearing 61 may be designed as a soft rubber or softplastic strip, which is secured also in main sheet 54. Alternatively, itmay be a corrugated or knurled metal strip. To increase the frictionbetween setting wheel 58 and brake bearing 61, setting wheel 58 also maybe knurled on its periphery.

In the inoperative position, therefore, each setting wheel 58 is locatedconcentrically behind its associated circular cutout 55. The numbers0-9, visible in FIG. 8 and positioned at the edge of setting wheel 58,or corresponding other symbols or letters, are, in the inoperativeposition, completely covered by a cover sheet 53, so that the positionof setting wheel 58 in the inoperative position cannot be recognized. Abore 62, adjacent the edge of setting wheel 58, is also covered.

To actuate the setting wheels, a setting wheel 58 to be set is grippedwith the thumb and index finger through circular cutouts 55 and liftedoff brake bearing 61 against the bias of spring wire 59. By virtue ofthis movement, the numbers at the edge of the setting wheel 58 emergefrom under the edge of cover sheet 53 in the vicinity of marking 56 andbecome visible. By rotation of the setting wheel with the thumb andindex finger, the setting wheel can now be brought to the desiredsetting. THat is, the desired number can be set adjacent marking 56.After release of the setting wheel 58, the latter is again pressedagainst brake bearing 61 by the bias of spring wire 59. Thus, at thesame time, all previously visible numbers are covered up by the edge ofthe circular cutout 55 and thus are invisible. The same setting can becarried out with the other setting wheel 58.

The operation and basic construction of that part of the identifierwhich checks the set number is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 9 and10. The identifier has an introduction slot 63 into which theidentification card 52, with the hold" bore 64, is inserted beforehand.Bore 64 is shown also in FIG. 6. THe identification card 52 moves on atable 65 which has a slot 66. A pawl 67, which is biased clockwise aboutits pivot 68 in the direction of arrow 69 by a spring which has not beenshown, moves in slot 66. Upon introduction of an identification card 52into slot 63, pawl 67 is, at first, pressed down until it can drop into"hold" bore 64. By pressure switches, which have not been shown, amechanism is now actuated and moves pawl 67, and thus identificationcard 52, along slot 66 in the direction of arrow 70, whereby theidentification card is pulled all the way into the identifier.

The respective end position is shown in FIG. 10, in which therepresentation of the pawl and of the other movement mechanisms havebeen omitted. To simplify the illustration, the two cover sheets 53 ofidentification card 52 are shown in bolder black lines. In this inposition, three drivers 71 descend onto the identification card 52, withthe centering pins 72 engaging in the central bores 73 of setting wheels58, these bores being shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. With further lowering ofdriver 71, the rubber-lined driver setters 74, which are disposedconcentrically around the respective centering pin 72, set down onsetting wheels 58 and thereby connect drivers 71 with setting wheels 58.

Subsequently, by means which have not been illustrated, drivers 71 makea displacement movement in the direction of arrow 75. Thereby, and in amanner similar with setting of wheels 58 using the thumb and indexfinger, drivers 71 disengage setting wheels 58 from-brake bearings 61and, at the same time, bring the setting wheels 58 into a positioneccentric to circular cutouts 55. In table 65, three feeler pins 76 areso arranged that, after the displacement of the setting wheels 58, theycan drop into the eccentric position and, after suita' ble rotation ofthe setting wheels 58, into the bores 62, thereby arresting the settingwheels. Feeler pins 76 are unblocked only after complete introduction ofthe identification card 52 into the identifier, so that they press ontosetting wheels 58 under spring bias.

Now drivers 71 are rotated in the same direction until rotation isinterrupted by feeler pins 76 stopping setting wheels 58. The angle ofrotation necessary for this depends on the previ ous manual setting ofthe respective setting wheels 58, and hence is a measure of the numbersor symbols appearing adjacent markings 56 after the manual setting. Bysuitable means which have not been shown, this angle of rotation istransformed into an electrical information, for example, by rotaryswitches on drivers 71. After completion of this operation, all settingwheels 58 are back in the zero position, which is defined by feeler pins76, and the originally manually set numbers are ascertained electricallythrough drivers 71.

If the then following examination of the set marking number shows thatthe setting was correct, then the processes sub sequent to theidentification are initiated in the identifier and the appertainingdevices, such as automatic vendors, etc. If the setting was wrong, thesubscriber is given a second chance to repeat the setting. For thispurpose, the identification card 52 is moved out, by means of pawl 67,through introduction slot 63, but partly remains in the identifier andis arrested therein by pawl 67. At the partially projected or extractedposition of the identification card 52, the three setting wheels 58 arewell accessible and the markings 68 can be seen clearly so that,although card 52 is retained in the identifier, a new setting can bemade. After this new setting, the checking process is initiated oncemore by a releasing mechanism especially provided for this purpose, andproceeds as described above. If the rechecking process does not providea satisfactory result either, an alarm is set off and possibly theidentification card is locked inside the identifier.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the application of the principles ofthe invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodiedotherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

1. An identification system comprising, in combination, a number offreely transportable indentificands carrying data to be identifiedarranged at plural correlation positions; an identifier cooperable withsaid identificands to check the identity of a user thereof; a firsttransmitter in said identifier transmitting, to an identificand insertedinto said identifier. a number of data, corresponding to the number ofcorrelation positions of the inserted identificand, in sequence fromsuccessive correlation positions a respective interpreter in eachidentificand, having input and output terminals; a respective selectordevice in each identificand supplying the data, transmitted by saidtransmitter, to the input terminals of the associated interpreter; and arespective second transmitter in each identificand connected to theoutput terminals of the associated interpreter to have applied theretomodulations determined by said associated interpreter; each secondtransmitter transmitting the resultant modulated signals to saididentifier for processing.

2. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, including a receiverin said identifier; a clock in said identifier emitting periodic pulseswhen activated; the input terminals of the interpreter of an insertedidentificand being marked successively in the rhythm of the clock pulsesof the identifier; a respective pulse group generator in eachidentificand connected to the output terminals of the associatedinterpreter, and present in accordance with each marked output to emit apulse number fixedly correlated with the respective output; said pulsegroup generator transmitting the thus successively occurring pulsegroups to said identifier, in the rhythm of the clock pulses, forstoring for evaluation.

3. An identification system, as claimed in claim 2, including arespective counter in each identificand; the counter of an insertedidentifier being advanced by said clock pulses and successively markingthe input terminals of the associated interpreter; the marked outputterminals of the associated interpreter effecting presetting of theassociated pulse group generator which, in turn, is switched on by saidclock pulses.

4. An identification system, as claimed in claim 3, in which the pulsestransmitted from said identifier, actuated said counter directly, andactuate the pulse group generator of an inserted identificand through arespective delay circuit.

5. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, including a matrixmemory in said identifier having two sets of intersecting coordinatesdefining a grid; one set of coordinates being marked successively in therhythm of said clock pulses and the other set of coordinates beingmarked by the pulse groups emitted by the inserted identificand.

6. An identification system, as claimed in claim 5, including a secondcounter in said idenfifier counting the pulses transmitted by theinserted identificand; and a decoder connected to said second counterand to said matrix memory and marking said other set of coordinatesthereof.

7. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, and including arespective presettable pulse generator in each identificand connected tothe associated interpreter and, in accordance with the marking of theoutput terminals of the associated interpreter, generating pulses ofdifferent lengths which are evaluated in said identifier.

8. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which said firsttransmitter successively sends different frequencies to the insertedidentificand; the input terminals of the respective interpreter of eachidentificand consisting of frequencyselective filters which filter outthe frequencies successively arriving thereat through a common inputline; said interpreter effecting a rearrangement of the frequencysequence.

9. An identification system, as claimed in claim 8, in which said firsttransmitter successively sends different frequency combinations to theinserted identificand.

10. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, includingrespective integrated circuits in each identificand simultaneouslyserving for safety from falsification of the associated identificand.

11. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in whichtransmission of pulses between said identifier and the insertedidentificand is effected inductively.

12. An identification system as claimed in claim I, in whichtransmission of pulses between said identifier and the insertedidentificand is effected capacitively.

13. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in whichtransmission of pulses between said identifier and the insertedidentificand is effected optically.

14. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which current issupplied to the inserted identificand by transmission from ahigh-frequency generator in said identifier to a receiver in theinserted identificand.

15. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which current issupplied to the inserted identificand from a thermoelement.

16. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which current issupplied to the inserted identificand from a solar cell.

17. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which current issupplied to the inserted identificand by a highfrequency transmitter insaid identifier and an associated charger condenser.

18. For use in an identification system, as claimed in claim 1, anidentificand with a visual and machine readable marking number and inthe form of a card carrying visually and machine readable data servingfor the identification of the identificand and for safety fromfalsification; said identificand including devices operable toselectively set a multidigit marking number; means covering the markingnumber in the inoperative state of the identificand; said covering meansbeing constructed and arranged for manual operation to expose themarking number for setting of said devices; and means positivelyreturning said covering means to the inoperative position.

19. An identification system, as claimed in claim 18, in which saiddevices for selectively setting a multidigit marking number comprisesetting wheels carrying numbers visible in a window in saididentificand; said window being covered by said covering means in theinoperative state.

20. An identification system, as claimed in claim 19, in which saididentificand card has two longer sides; at least one of said longersides supporting a number of slides corresponding to the number ofdigits of said marking number, said slides being displaceabletransversely of said longer sides and, in the inoperative state,covering associated windows; said slides being manually displaceable,for setting of the marking number, to a position in which the numbers tobe set are visible in the associated windows.

21. An identification system, as claimed in claim 20, in which saididentificand card is constructed in multiple layers; said setting wheelsand said slides being positioned between layers of said identificandcard.

22. An identification system, as claimed in claim 18, in which saididentificand card has a narrow end; and correlation logic and meansproviding safety from falsification positioned in said narrow end.

23. An identification system, as claimed in claim 22, including energysupply means and the means for data transmission positioned in saidnarrow end.

24. An identification system, as claimed in claim 22, in which saidnarrow end has notches serving for correct fixation of said identificandcard in said identifier.

25. An identification system as claimed in claim 1, including anidentificand with visually and machine-readable marking numbers,designed in the form of a card and containing visually andmachine-readable data serving to identify the identificand and forsafety from falsification; said identificand card comprising coversheets; at least two wheels rotatably positioned between said coversheets for setting a multidigit marking number; said cover sheets havingopposite coaxial circular openings whose diameter is smaller than thediameter of said wheels; and means biasing said wheels relative to saidcircular openings, in the inoperative state, so that the numbers on saidwheels are not visible.

26. An identification system, as claimed in claim 25, in which saididentificand includes an intermediate layer between said cover sheetsand formed with rectangular cutouts; said wheels being mounted in saidrectangular cutouts; and respective spring means seating against theside edges of said cutouts and biasing the associate wheels intoengagement with the respective brake bearings.

27. An identification system, as claimed in claim 26, in which eachbrake bearing comprises soft rubber.

28. An identification system, as claimed in claim 26, in which eachbrake bearing comprises soft plastic.

29. An identification system, as claimed in claim 26, in which eachbrake bearing comprises a metal strip having transversely extendingabutrnents therealong.

30. An identification system, as claimed in claim 29, in which saidwheels have abutments extending transversely of their circularperipheries for engagement with said metal strips.

31. An identification system, as claimed in claim 25, in which saididentificand card is formed with a holding aperture; and a pawl in saididentifier engageable in said holding aperture after introduction of theidentificand card into said identifier.

32. An identification system, as claimed in claim 26, in which saidwheels have central bores; said identifier having centering pinsengageable in said central bores; and driver setters associated withsaid centering pins and providing for movement of said wheels againstthe bias of said spring.

33. An identification system as claimed in claim 32, in which each wheelhas an eccentric bore; and feeler pins in said identifier engageable insaid eccentric bores following eccentric movement of said wheels, toarrest movement of said wheels.

34. An identification system as claimed in claim 33, in which saididentifier comprises electric means operable to determine the angle ofrotation of said wheels until rotation thereof is arrested by saidfeeler pins; said angle depending on the preceding manual setting ofsaid wheels.

35. An identification system as claimed in claim 33, including means insaid identifier operable, after determination of a faulty setting ofsaid marking number, to provide for partial extraction of theidentificand card limited by said pawl which prevents completeextraction; and checking means in said identifier operable to trigger analarm after a faulty marking number has ascertained twice.

1. An identification system comprising, in combination, a number of freely transportable indentificands carrying data to be identified arranged at plural correlation positions; an identifier cooperable with said identificands to check the identity of a user thereof; a first transmitter in said identifier transmitting, to an identificand inserted into said identifier, a number of data, corresponding to the number of correlation positions of the inserted identificand, in sequence from successive correlation positions; a respective interpreter in each identificand, having input and output terminals; a respective selector device in each identificand supplying the data, transmitted by said transmitter, to the input terminals of the associated interpreter; and a respective second transmitter in each identificand connected to the output terminals of the associated interpreter to have applied thereto modulations determined by said associated interpreter; each second transmitter transmitting the resultant modulated signals to said identifier for processing.
 2. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, including a receiver in said identifier; a clock in said identifier emitting periodic pulses when activated; the input terminals of the interpreter of an inserted identificand being marked successively in the rhythm of the clock pulses of the identifier; a respective pulse group generator in each identificand connected to the output terminals of the associated interpreter, and preset in accordance with each marked output to emit a pulse number fixedly correlated with the respective output; said pulse group generator transmitting the thus successively occurring pulse groups to said identifier, in the rhythm of the clock pulses, for storing for evaluation.
 3. An identification system, as claimed in claim 2, including a respective counter in each identificand; the counter of an inserted identifier being advanced by said clock pulses and successively marking the input terminals of the associated interpreter; the marked output terminals of the associated interpreter effecting presetting of the associated pulse group generator which, in turn, is switched on by said clock pulses.
 4. An identification system, as claimed in claim 3, in which the pulses transmitted from said identifier, actuate said counter directly, and actuate the pulse group generator of an inserted identificand through a respective delay circuit.
 5. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, including a matrix memory in said identifier having two sets of intersecting coordinates defining a grid; one set of coordinates being marked successively in the rhythm of said clock pulses and the other set of coordinates being marked by the pulse groups emitted by the inserted identificand.
 6. An identification system, as claimed in claim 5, including a second counter in said identifier counting the pulses transmitted by the inserted identificand; and a decoder connected to said second counter and to said matrix memory and marking said other set of coordinates thereof.
 7. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, and including a respective presettable pulse generator in each identificand connected to the associated interpreter and, in accordance with the marking of the output terminals of the associated interpreter, generating pulses of different lengths which are evaluated in said identifier.
 8. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which said first transmitter successively sends different frequencies to the inserted identificand; the input terminals of the respective interpreter of each identificand consisting of frequency-selective filters which filter out the frequencies successively arriving thereat through a common input line; said interpreter effecting a rearrangement of the frequency sequence.
 9. An identification system, as claimed in claim 8, in which said first transmitter successively sends difFerent frequency combinations to the inserted identificand.
 10. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, including respective integrated circuits in each identificand simultaneously serving for safety from falsification of the associated identificand.
 11. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which transmission of pulses between said identifier and the inserted identificand is effected inductively.
 12. An identification system as claimed in claim 1, in which transmission of pulses between said identifier and the inserted identificand is effected capacitively.
 13. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which transmission of pulses between said identifier and the inserted identificand is effected optically.
 14. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which current is supplied to the inserted identificand by transmission from a high-frequency generator in said identifier to a receiver in the inserted identificand.
 15. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which current is supplied to the inserted identificand from a thermoelement.
 16. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which current is supplied to the inserted identificand from a solar cell.
 17. An identification system, as claimed in claim 1, in which current is supplied to the inserted identificand by a high-frequency transmitter in said identifier and an associated charger condenser.
 18. For use in an identification system, as claimed in claim 1, an identificand with a visual and machine readable marking number and in the form of a card carrying visually and machine readable data serving for the identification of the identificand and for safety from falsification; said identificand including devices operable to selectively set a multidigit marking number; means covering the marking number in the inoperative state of the identificand; said covering means being constructed and arranged for manual operation to expose the marking number for setting of said devices; and means positively returning said covering means to the inoperative position.
 19. An identification system, as claimed in claim 18, in which said devices for selectively setting a multidigit marking number comprise setting wheels carrying numbers visible in a window in said identificand; said window being covered by said covering means in the inoperative state.
 20. An identification system, as claimed in claim 19, in which said identificand card has two longer sides; at least one of said longer sides supporting a number of slides corresponding to the number of digits of said marking number, said slides being displaceable transversely of said longer sides and, in the inoperative state, covering associated windows; said slides being manually displaceable, for setting of the marking number, to a position in which the numbers to be set are visible in the associated windows.
 21. An identification system, as claimed in claim 20, in which said identificand card is constructed in multiple layers; said setting wheels and said slides being positioned between layers of said identificand card.
 22. An identification system, as claimed in claim 18, in which said identificand card has a narrow end; and correlation logic and means providing safety from falsification positioned in said narrow end.
 23. An identification system, as claimed in claim 22, including energy supply means and the means for data transmission positioned in said narrow end.
 24. An identification system, as claimed in claim 22, in which said narrow end has notches serving for correct fixation of said identificand card in said identifier.
 25. An identification system as claimed in claim 1, including an identificand with visually and machine-readable marking numbers, designed in the form of a card and containing visually and machine-readable data serving to identify the identificand and for safety from falsification; said identificand card comprising cover sheets; at least two wheels rotataBly positioned between said cover sheets for setting a multidigit marking number; said cover sheets having opposite coaxial circular openings whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of said wheels; and means biasing said wheels relative to said circular openings, in the inoperative state, so that the numbers on said wheels are not visible.
 26. An identification system, as claimed in claim 25, in which said identificand includes an intermediate layer between said cover sheets and formed with rectangular cutouts; said wheels being mounted in said rectangular cutouts; respective brake bearings in said rectangular cutouts; and respective spring means seating against the side edges of said cutouts and biasing the associate wheels into engagement with the respective brake bearings.
 27. An identification system, as claimed in claim 26, in which each brake bearing comprises soft rubber.
 28. An identification system, as claimed in claim 26, in which each brake bearing comprises soft plastic.
 29. An identification system, as claimed in claim 26, in which each brake bearing comprises a metal strip having transversely extending abutments therealong.
 30. An identification system, as claimed in claim 29, in which said wheels have abutments extending transversely of their circular peripheries for engagement with said metal strips.
 31. An identification system, as claimed in claim 25, in which said identificand card is formed with a holding aperture; and a pawl in said identifier engageable in said holding aperture after introduction of the identificand card into said identifier.
 32. An identification system, as claimed in claim 26, in which said wheels have central bores; said identifier having centering pins engageable in said central bores; and driver setters associated with said centering pins and providing for movement of said wheels against the bias of said spring.
 33. An identification system as claimed in claim 32, in which each wheel has an eccentric bore; and feeler pins in said identifier engageable in said eccentric bores following eccentric movement of said wheels, to arrest movement of said wheels.
 34. An identification system as claimed in claim 33, in which said identifier comprises electric means operable to determine the angle of rotation of said wheels until rotation thereof is arrested by said feeler pins; said angle depending on the preceding manual setting of said wheels.
 35. An identification system as claimed in claim 33, including means in said identifier operable, after determination of a faulty setting of said marking number, to provide for partial extraction of the identificand card limited by said pawl which prevents complete extraction; and checking means in said identifier operable to trigger an alarm after a faulty marking number has ascertained twice. 